Chapter 251
The next day at Vanguard High School, Charlotte strolled in wearing her usual baggy uniform, backpack thrown over one shoulder. She scrolled through her phone, barely looking up as she walked.
Family Group Chat
Jackson: Charlotte, the H3N1 research failed again at phase two.
H3N1 was a treatment meant for kids with brain injuries. Children are fragile. Growing up, it’s easy for them to get hurt. When their brains take a hit, things can get serious fast, even deadly. Besides the risk of brain injuries during childbirth, nearly 47,000 children die each year from falls. Hundreds of thousands more end up hurt. So many families break apart after losing a child.
That’s why H3N1 research mattered so much. But it was tough, expensive, and every time, the project crashed in phase two.
Nine: Send me the report tonight. We’ll try a new formula.
Adonis: Charlotte, we’re running out of money.
Charlotte frowned a little. This whole thing was burning through cash. Ever since she started investing in the research institute, she’d poured in billions.
Nine: If any work comes up, take it.
Was it really this bad now? Taking on random jobs just to keep things going? Adonis felt bad for her. He hesitated, then quietly typed a new message.
Adonis: Charlotte, I have an idea. Want to hear it?
Jackson said nothing. He already knew Adonis was about to say something ridiculous.
Adonis: Isn’t Anthony the richest guy in Astoria? Marry him. Then, you know, find a way to get rid of him… and you’ll inherit everything.
[Adonis has been removed from the group]
Jackson just shook his head. Adonis was hopeless.
Jackson: Charlotte, I’ll start screening the clients.
In the medical world, Charlotte had another name—Asclepius. People lined up for miles hoping she’d treat them. But there were always those who wanted to use her, force her into their schemes, or expose her identity for their own gain. That’s why the N Organization checked and double-checked every case, making sure it was safe before letting Charlotte help.
Nine: Got it.
Charlotte sent one last message before locking her phone. Let’s put the sleep medication research on hold. I don’t need it right now.
Jackson paused. She didn’t need it? For years, Charlotte had been unstoppable, even without sleep meds. Did she come up with a new way to rest?
She closed the chat, tossed her phone into her bag, and headed toward Class C. As she walked, students automatically moved out of her way. Some stared at her, following just a few steps behind. Computer genius. Academic star. Echo. In all the years Vanguard High had been around, there’d never been anyone like Charlotte.
She barely made it a few steps before a group of girls blocked her path. They held something tight to their chests and stared up at her, nervous.
Charlotte paused, raising her eyebrows and giving them a cool look.
“What’s up?”
To everyone else, her voice sounded icy, almost like she was saying, “Are you looking for trouble?”
The girl in front, nudged by her friends, blushed bright red as she faced Charlotte.
“It’s just She held out her bundle, revealing a thick stack of photos All of them were of Charlotte-walking in the hallways, napping in class
eventiging in the study room.
They had everything.
“Charlotte, we’re in the lower grades. We really look up to you. Could we… get your autograph?” she asked, her voice barely above a whisper, clearly worried about annoying her.
The two girls behind her nodded quickly. “We think you’re amazing. So cool.” Especially the way she’d handled Dennis, and chased off Bald Lee. Total legend.
“Please, Charlotte?” All three of them looked up at her, standing on tiptoe, eyes shining with hope.
“Pen.” Charlotte held out her hand, her tone flat.
“Uh?” The girl froze for a moment, then rushed to give her the pen and photos, holding them with both hands for Charlotte to sign.
Charlotte signed six photos in a row.
“That’s enough.” She handed the pen back and strode off, her tall frame disappearing down the hallway.
“Oh my gosh, I got Charlotte’s autograph!” The girl squealed, then glanced at the
signature and laughed awkwardly. “It’s… definitely unique.”
Not far away, Olivia watched
Charlotte surrounded by admirers. She remembered the way classmates had looked down on her earlier that morning, and her hands clenched tight at her sides. She wasnt going to let Charlotte win Just one more month. Then she ruin her, once and for all.
Ever since everyone found out Charlotte was Echo, Andrew and Parrish looked at her completely differently They used to think she was just another slacker in the back row like them. Now they realized she was in a league of her own.
Charlotte glanced over and the boys instantly ducked their heads, pretending to study.
After evening study hall, Charlotte was heading out when she overheard Shirley talking nervously on the phone.
“Grandma, I’m coming home now, don’t worry!”
Charlotte stopped and looked at her. “What’s wrong?”
“My grandma says a bunch of bad people showed up at our house,” Shirley said,
her face pale as she grabbed her bag and bolted.
Bad people? Andrew and Parrish heard, too.
“Charlotte, should we Andrew was about to suggest they follow, but Charlotte
was already striding toward the exit.
Andrew and Parrish exchanged a glance. “Come on, let’s go!”
With that many people, Charlotte might need backup.